EDUNBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

Cross-border talk is big boost for 'Muir

BILL LOTHIAN


BOROUGHMUIR have been handed a massive boost to ensure a final dress rehearsal for another BT Scottish Cup Final appearance goes smoothly when they complete league business against Melrose at Meggetland tomorrow.

With the leading positions guaranteed - ’Muir will finish either third or fourth depending on tomorrow’s outcome - the focus switches to ensuring they get it right for tackling Dundee High FPs at Murrayfield on April 30 when silverware will be at stake.

And the Evening News has learned stakes in that tie could be massively enhanced with the prospect of the winners joining the national champions next season in a cross-border competition also involving club representatives of Ireland and Wales.

Kenny Hamilton, spokesman for the Premier Division One clubs, confirmed that horizons are set to be widened, saying: "As part of significant improvements in the way the club game operates our next meeting, on May 4, could learn that a cross border competition will start in 2005-06.

"Meantime, only Glasgow Hawks are included as champions but efforts are being made to include the respective national cup holders as well which would mean an invite for either Boroughmuir or Dundee High."

Such a step is guaranteed to improve competition which Hamilton believes can be further intensified by prospects of a new protocol allowing Pro Team fringe players back into the Premiership. He added: "There is a feeling that having players in limbo cannot continue and we want to work with the Pro Teams in jointly agreeing release procedures because clearly it is unacceptable they should spend a sizeable part of the season on the sidelines."

Welcoming the incentive Boroughmuir manager, Dave Barr, said: "Even the possibility of playing cross-border rugby will provide a still greater edge to our preparations starting against Melrose. The biggest criticism of Scottish club rugby in recent years is that there has been nowhere for successful teams to go and if this addresses the situation it will be ideal."

This article was originally posted on 22-Apr-2005, 12:53 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 22-Apr-2005, 12:53.